ANoriginalcrafts

Happy National Coffee Day!

2014-09-29T22:33:00.002-07:00

http://naylormade.blogspot.com/2014/09/happy-national-coffee-day.html

New Blog!

2014-09-21T23:57:00.002-07:00

Just a heads up that I'll be moving this blog to Naylor Made at naylormade.blogspot.com

It's still me try not to be disappointed, just at an easier to understand name. I'm dumbing it down people! Plus, anoriginalcrafts was a bit wordy if you ask me. Ask anyone else and they wouldn't be able to tell you the "an" in anoriginalcrafts stood for Adelle Naylor on most days, neither could I.

So....

Come join me at Naylor Made for handmade cards, crafts, techniques and fun sometimes sarcastic commentary.

I don't believe in taking anything too seriously, let alone crafts those have to be perfect. I mean, life is too short. I believe in celebrating and sharing except craft supplies with my fellow crafty artists. That is why I've decided to do a giveaway all new stuff and not the crappy kind when I reach 100 followers here or on my new in progress not quite ready, Facebook page

Thank you to everyone that follows my blog I appreciate it!

Create your own backround

2014-09-17T00:03:00.001-07:00

This week on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge blog, the theme is "Create your own back round" and if you happen to have some Faber Castell Gelatos on hand, go ahead and use those too! Lucky for me I recently ordered some from Blitsy and now have a good excuse to put them to use!

I've been wanting to use Gelatos before this project but had yet to be inspired. After a lot of searching on different Gelato techniques, I made this card.

The great thing about using Gelatos is their ability to blend with water. I used watercolor paper with Gelatos to blend the color along with a stencil for the flower accent. I needed a card to give to my Mother in Law for her birthday and this one fulfilled the request.

I hope to work with my Gelatos more in watercolor techniques to create fun and interesting back rounds for my cards and artwork.

MFT (My Favorite Things) Get Sketchy Card #192

2014-09-07T22:12:00.001-07:00

I've been a fan of MFT for years now. I've often admired all the great inspiration their blog requires yet, for some odd reason, I've never participated...until now.

I have a ton of their products. Dies mostly but I've acquired a good amount of stamps to go along with those dies. I have yet to buy their inks but I've coveted them. It seems odd that I've somehow found this card to be "the one" that is privy enough for a challenge entry. I don't know what the hell is wrong with me, I could've, should've, have...done better. It's all in the timing though, right? I've got time now, so....

This is the card I made with inspiration from Get Sketchy Card #192

My daughter had a birthday party to go to this weekend so I made this card utilizing the sketch. I like it enough. More importantly...will they?

SSS June 2014 Card Kit

2014-06-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned how great Simon Says Stamp Card kits are? I'm pretty sure I have but if you haven't noticed or maybe this is the first post you've ever seen of my wonderfully creative blog, then I think I'll have to indulge you in the awesomeness of their kits, except for maybe the May kit...uh, yeah, that one was all boy and I have two girls. Yep, I have a house full of girls. My dog is a girl, my cat is a girl. My husband feels really left out most of the time. Too bad so sad for that and the May card kit. I mean, I didn't even make a post about it but I did make a card.
Wanna see?

That's about as boy as it gets for me...Fail.

Let's not worry about the past though. The present is so much more relevant. Sure.
I'm loving the June kit so much for it's whimsicality and all the fun flowers. Who doesn't like flowers?

I was inspired by Kristina Werner and her watercolor Distress Ink (my fave product evah!) technique video, here:

This is what I ended up with:

Had I to do it all over again, I would have stamped the boarder first, then stamped the flowers, etc... so the design doesn't seems so crowded, you know? It's still pretty and still nice and still kind of watercolor(ish).

I'm going to have to play some more with the stamp set because there are so many more elements to it, as far as the many sentiments and layers of flowers and leaves. I've got plenty of time to come up with something. I think it will be great for my sister's wedding card, I mean, the one I'm going to make her. I have a good full week to play...

That's the best part about creating, you can make whatever you want!

SSS April Card Kit

2014-04-17T00:03:00.002-07:00

This month's Simon Says Stamp Card Kit was just really cool. I'm sure I could explain the entire kit more eloquently than that but I'm thinking it's not needed really. Take a look see...this kit was awesomeness including a stamp set.

I love the look of simple card making. I even tried to make mine one layer, but I had to finish it with a couple strips of paper on the bottom, that's all. This kit makes card making easy! I'll always profess my admiration for all the inspiration! Oh, and I made several other cards, I just liked this one the best.

Thank you for your friendship

2014-03-22T11:20:00.001-07:00

I'm super excited to be sharing a card card I made utilizing Distress Marker techniques! Before you start thinking, "Uh, she's easily amused", let me tell you why.

First, Here is my card:

Second, here is the guest post I wrote for Blitsycrafts: http://www.blitsycrafts.com/Check out my post for the techniques I used.

It's a great feeling to have someone else, besides myself, showcase my art. I'm happy they gave me the opportunity to write for their blog! Therein lies the excitement!

Have a wonderful weekend!

SSS February Kit

2014-03-02T23:58:00.002-08:00

I'm a couple days late but whose counting? As always and usual Simon Says Stamp is my favorite of all card kits and yes, I'm biased, so what? Here is a card I made with the kit.

Ain't she pretty? Disregard the shadowing and such with my lack luster photography skills.

I embossed the flowers with white embossing powder and cut them out individually. That alone should give me points for effort!

I have to say this stamp set and papers received were just beautiful and always worth the price of admission. I've already received my March kit and have yet to "play". Can't wait to see what I come up with. You just wait!

Back round Stamp Tip

2014-02-17T19:15:00.000-08:00

I was doing so good too! I decided to use up some of my scraps, leftover from other projects, mess on my desk to make this pretty little card.

I even got out my Distress inks and did the whole, old paper look along with using a back round stamp. I haven't used a back round stamp in awhile! I also made sure to adhere everything really well. I used Scor-Tape on the back of my lovely stamped image and Fabri-Tac for the sentiment. I mean, this sucker is not coming off!

Now, after looking at the picture I took, I wish I would've used re positional tape...

Here's a great tip when using a large back round stamp with typography:
BEFORE ADHERING IT TO YOUR CARD FRONT, MAKE SURE IT'S THE RIGHT SIDE UP!

We all make mistakes, right? Most of the time, I'm just hoping no one notices.

Simon Says Stamp Card kit vs Studio Calico

2014-01-05T19:36:00.002-08:00

I recently bought a Studio Calico Card Kit. I'll thank Jennifer McGuire for that purchase right now because, thanks to her, I got 50% off the kit to try it. Okay, so it wasn't quite "recently", but as far as my crafting has gone lately, it's within a month, which means, "recent" enough!

I feel kinda bad because I'm completely unprepared for this post. I have no pictures of the kits as I received them in order for you to compare. I mean, look at the creative mess I've got going on right this minute in my craft room...

You can probably tell from the photo I'm all in with Simon Says Stamp. I've got three boxes right there for you to see. Thing is, I've subscribed to them for over a year now and I've written multiple posts boasting about their kits, so it's really no secret that I like them. And to be honest, I wanted to try something different. I used to get the Studio Calico scrap booking kits way back when they were cool (2008, '09). Then they started changing up their stamp sets and I felt like I wasn't getting as much for the money. I stopped subscribing in 2010.

So, why not give them a chance again after a few years off? Especially since they have a kit now just for card making. I'm glad I tried them with a half off code because otherwise, I'd of been way more disappointed.

The stamp set was nice but the minimal amount of card stock and embellishments left me wondering what it was I was paying for! With SSS you get a great selection of card stock and patterned paper plus a nice photo polymer stamp set along with embellishments, all at a lower price point!

It wasn't a complete disappointment. I made a couple cute cards, I think.

In my opinion, I'm going to stick with Simon Says Stamp Card kits. They're a better value considering now they offer stencils sometimes along with the stamps in their kits. The more options for creativity, the better!

This is the Studio Calico Kit I purchased for $15. It retails for $29.50

This is the SSS Card Kit I purchased for $19.99 + shipping/handling. Comes to about $25. You do the math. No need to ask me, I think you can guess which one is the better bang for your buck!

Making it your own

2013-11-17T18:48:00.004-08:00

My favorite thing to do is make Christmas cards. So, all of a sudden, it's like Christmas making card time. How the hell did that happen? I mean, didn't I just post something in July? Did you know it's November already? Don't answer that!

In the mean time, I've acquired a few new goodies to share. One of them being, the Simon Says Stamp (SSS) Christmas Card kit

Okay, so it's kind of a mess and there may be a lot of stuff scattered about not included in the kit. You can see the box is open. Don't mind me, I've got a lot going on here.

The process of a creative mind can be completely chaotic but to put it in perspective, I'd like to share a great technique that has been duplicated by many a you tuber, I'm assuming. I think it's a great way to utilize your stamps and supplies. I'm just going to show it to you anyway.

Make your own back round and or patterned paper:

You'll need stamps, versamark/watermark ink, paper, embossing powder and (not pictured) heat tool.

Choose a stamp that you can continuously, seamlessly repeat on a boring piece of white card stock. Then ink up your stamp with versamark ink and press it to your boring white paper.

When the image is stamped, cover it completely with embossing powder then heat set it with your heat tool.

Repeat the steps of inking the stamp and heating the embossing powder until your paper is completely covered and you come up with something like this:

Now use it for whatever you want!

I used mine for this Christmas Card. Simple but cool as in texture and all around fun to do!
Hope you have fun trying this technique out. Even if you just said you had fun, I'd be okay with that too.

Aging Gracefully

2013-07-14T20:03:00.002-07:00

Sorry, not in advance, to those who found their way to my blog in the hopes of maintaining their "29 again" status. Despite being a self-proclaimed cosmetic junkie, I'm not talking beauty products. This is a blog for art, not cosmetology. I'm talking craft products here, most importantly, Distress Inks.

Sometimes an art project requires a worn and weathered look. And sometimes it doesn't. It's art. Do what you want. If you want new paper to look old, well then keep reading, grab some Distress Inks and let's get started!

This is the goal. Before and after:

The supplies you will need:
Distress Ink: Antique Linen
Distress Ink: Tea Dye
Distress Ink: Vintage Photo
Distress Blending Tool
Spray Bottle of Water
White Card Stock (mine measures 4"x 4")

Distress Inks have a wide variety of shades to choose from. These are just the ones I decided to use. There are many others in the brown family that would work just as well if you don't have these particular colors or want to use something else. I'm a big proponent of using what you have in your supply stash.

Always start with the lightest color of ink. Daub the blending tool into the ink. Starting from the outside in, work the ink in a circular motion onto the paper.

Repeat the same steps with the next darker color.

Keep adding color until you reach your desired look. At this point I didn't add the darkest color yet because I wanted to save it to enhance more of the edges and cracks in the paper instead of making the paper look darker.

Spray your paper with water. Distress Inks seamlessly blend when they react with water, smoothing any harsh lines or marks you may have made while inking.

The paper is more pliable when it is wet. Now scrunch up the paper into a ball, flatten it out then scrunch it up again. Do this a couple of times to get a variable of creases in your paper.

This is when the darkest color comes into play.

Blend it over the many creases and on every edge. Spritz again with water.

Allow your paper to dry.

After my paper was dry, I went back with my Distress Tool and frayed the edges of my paper. If you don't have one, no big deal. You can use your finger nails or a file to go over the edges of your paper for that weathered look.

Ink the edges one last time and you're good to go! This aged paper look is great for scrapbooks, journals and cards...like the one I made:

Have fun and be creative with this technique!

SSS June Card Kit

2013-06-25T21:04:00.002-07:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I like Simon Says Stamp card kits? I'm certain I have. Yeah...I have, here, here, here and here.

At this point you're probably hoping I shut up about them. I don't blame you. It's kinda like when someone tells the same story over and over again in an awkward social gathering type thing that pretty much is every social gathering I've ever attended. You sit through the story just to be polite while rolling your eyes when you think no one is looking, At least that's how I picture it.

Uh, thing is, you're not the boss of me! I'm going to tell that story again, because I want to and you'd want to too if you made cards like me with these stinking cute kits!

Truth is, I had a hard time embracing the mustache concept that riddled this month's theme. I'm not a fan of the mustache or anything that has to do with facial hair, no matter how kitchy it is. I know it's not about that, but what is a mustache supposed to remind you of anyway? To me, it's ugly facial hair.

So, today I set aside some time for just me and really went through each piece of paper and every stamp of the stamp set. You know what, I ended up really loving the stamps and paper and with them I made a couple cards today.

The little chipboard heart wasn't included in the kit. It was from my stash and I colored it with a Spectrum Noir marker.

This is the second card I made. My favorite part is the glasses. I coated them with a layer of glossy accents so they look like real lenses. I just think it's super cute! What a great card to give to someone just to let them know you're thinking of them. Those are the best cards, in my opinion.

Notice there are no mustaches on my cards...insert winky face ;)

Happy Birthday SSS (Simon Says Stamp)!

2013-04-06T22:34:00.001-07:00

Who would've known, SSS celebrates their birthday the same week as me? Uh, apparently not me, until now. Despite our age difference it's no wonder why we get along so well.

The first thing I think of when I see "SSS" isn't Simon Says Stamp, which is why I felt I needed to clarify the acronym in my title. I always think of SOS. Good thing the "O" is on the other side of the keyboard! I don't want anyone thinking I need help or anything, but then again I could be too late for that.

They have a great prize to win on their challenge blog and since we share a birthday week and I'm a huge advocate for their monthly card kits, I thought WTH, (I'm leaving this one up to you to figure out) I'm in!

Here is what I created:

Paper, stamps and embellishments all used from the April Card kit. Oh, my bad, the twine is from way back to the June 2012 card kit. Still using the supplies, talk about a great investment. Wish me luck!

Happy Easter

2013-03-31T22:40:00.003-07:00

It's been awhile, to say the least, since I've "created" something to share. I don't know about you but for me, I get into these funks where I don't feel like making a (censored) gosh darn thing.

Without censoring, I'd say a whole different thing, but I'm aware of people that can't fathom someone who crafts as having a mouth on them. Fortunate for me, I do. Unfortunate for those I try not to offend. Some days are better than others...just saying.

It's been hit or miss lately and with Easter today I made a simple trinket of crafting flair just to jazz up the girl's Easter baskets this year. I'm not sure why pinwheels are so interesting to little eyes but when I was a kid, I loved them! So, in the spirit of nostalgia and all that is Simon Says Stamp Card Kit, here's a simple way to make them...

First thing you'll need is some patterned paper, a stick and brad to fasten your pinwheel. You could use a straw if you'd like. Lucky for me my card kit came complete with these cute little papers and sticks.

Next thing I did was adhere one sheet of 6x6 paper to the other, only so that I'd have a pattern on both sides. It's a step you can skip if you don't mind white showing through on your pinwheel, and also if you don't want to go through the hassle of trying to line up the two pieces of paper because that can really be a (censored) beach!

After lining it up just right, this is what I got.

Next, find your center and cut each corner to that center but not all the way...say three fourths of the way because you're going to be folding the corners into the center and you don't want your paper cut in half.

After you've cut each corner to the center, take a corner, paper pierce it and then fold it in the center and paper pierce the center...you're going to be doing this on every other corner. Fold every other corner over first if you don't believe me, then pierce them all at one time, whatever you want. I'm telling you to do each one as you fold because it's (censored) frig gin easier than doing them all at once. Your call.

Did you pick a brad for the center yet? Now would be a good time.

There you go! Now every other corner has a hole that you secured with the brad...good job!

Now all you need to do is pierce a hole into the cute little straw holder and thread the brad through it to attach the pinwheel.

Done.

And done!

They were a big hit by the way...hope you had a great Holiday! :)

Now That Valentine's Day is Over...

2013-02-17T20:42:00.001-08:00

I had grandiose expectations for a well thought out, functional, yet cute little Valentine's Day project. You know, something you can keep on your desk or give to a friend that likes to decorate for the holidays at work (there's always one). The project fell flat on it's face after I remembered how much I despise Valentine's Day in all it's chocolate loving glory.

I don't like chocolate (gasp)! I do like love. I don't like cheesy, over the top PDA love, but the thought of one so in love as to not able to contain their emotions is nice, in a rape whistle kind of way.

Maybe I just have to be in the mood to create. Despite the inspiring paper lines and plethora of embellishments I acquired sans forty percent off coupon (tax return came in, so I was good), I still couldn't find my muse and instead ended up with this...

Four wooden Blocks. It only takes four letters to spell love. Unfortunately for me, it takes some imagination to make those letters look nice.

So, I applied gesso and white paint to those alphabet wannabee blocks of wood.

x four!

Then...
I went to the messy side of my desk and attempted to make a card from my Simon Says Stamp February Card Kit while the paint dried. I love those kits, if you didn't already know.

A long the way I put paper on those blocks. I cut out hearts and the word "love" and I painstakingly applied everything with a layer of matte modge podge to ensure durability, but I didn't bother to take any pictures of that process.

That should have been a clue right there as to how my project was to turn out!

Everything was fine until the last minute when I decided a bit of Black Soot distress ink was needed (it was not needed)! And I ended up with this ugly mess...

I think I'll save altering wooden blocks for another holiday, what do you think?
That was a rhetorical question by the way...

Altered Balsa Box

2013-01-26T22:44:00.001-08:00

This little box cost a dollar at Michael's. So, if it turns out like crap after you've tried your best to alter it's appearance into something more attractive than it's former self, it's not a total disappointment when one or two end up in the trash. Or, maybe that's just me? Here's my attempt to turn one into something a little more attractive than what this picture can possibly portray.
And how I did it...

Unscrew the little knob attach er thingy with a smaller than what's considered "normal" screwdriver (IMO).
Then cut off the useless elastic tie. I guess it's not totally useless because it holds the knob attacher thingy but it's really ugly....again (IMO). My opinion does matter. To me.

Paint it black!

Sorry...off subject!

After the paint dried I sprayed Lindy Stamp Gang Star burst in Golden Sleigh Bells. I purposely didn't saturate the box completely in black acrylic paint so the gold shimmer of the spray shined and enhanced the wood grain detail of the box.
It was actually an unplanned effect but I just thought it sounded better that way.

Pick out some patterned paper then put the box on the corner and trace with a pencil. Putting the box on the corner just saves space and extra cutting compared to placing it in the middle of the page. By all means, if you like extra steps and or moves because you're a mover and a shaker...Go for it!

Cut out the traced design.

Adhere your paper to the box by coating both the box and paper with a thin layer of Mod Podge.

When the paper is adhered use a bra yer to evenly distribute the adhesive and ensure proper adhesion. Also, it's probably a good idea that you put the right side of your paper to the box...you know, the side you meant to show on the outside of the box (when you have double sided paper designs) because I didn't. Which means, the next step I had to do this...

Take an exacto knife and cut off the excess paper off the edges. Use a sanding tool to distress the edges for a seamless appearance. Oh and that knob attach er thingy, cut some of the patterned paper into a small circle and adhere it to the front of the knob. It'll match and look better (IMO).

My opinion does matter...

Ink all the edges of the box, including the knob attach er thingy, with black distress ink. It not only adds dimension but hides some of the paper piecing flaws that some (or just me) have.

I picked out metal embellishments along with paper flowers that I sprayed with the same Lindy Stamp Gang spray. I added a bit of ribbon, hot glued it all on and got this...

That's about as good as it gets for me these days. I've been in a bit of a crafting rut, so to speak. This box is for a swap I entered. I think it's a good idea to challenge yourself to creativity when it's evasive and doesn't come freely.

It happens...kinda like those two that ended up in the trash.

SSS January Card Kit

2013-01-09T16:04:00.002-08:00

If you have yet to check out Simon Says Stamp Card Kits, I'd say now is a great time to do it! This month's stamp set is one of my favorites and I've already made two cards with so much product left to make more.

That's all. :)

My Fave Monday...Coloring

2013-01-07T21:38:00.000-08:00

Well, it's really not my favorite. I want it to be, and with all the laws of attraction on my side, I'm willing it to be. It's a Secret I've read, that is pretty much bul&sh#t and it's in a book that pretty much sucks. If you've read it, I'm sorry...Truth is, I still can't color but I'm going to keep trying.

I always used to think an artist was someone who could color and draw. I know different now. More like, I know better! I consider all the things I make as art. And I think of myself as an artist continually trying to improve my craft. So here goes on the crafting...

Santa must of thought I was really good last year...look what I got!

Or more like he thought I deserved them for all the crap I went through last year..either way, it worked out!
I'm a happy artist with the tools to be a better colorer..eeerrr..something.

I fell in admiration of the Derwent Inktense color pencils the minute I watched this video . With traditional watercolor pencils the colors are always so muted. I get that it lends to the watercolor effect but with these pencils the colors stay vibrant, even on darker card stock.

I tried them out by stamping and embossing white on white card stock. The great thing about these pencils is that you can pick up the vibrant color straight from the tip and use it like a paint. No need to color the image first, although, you can...it's not like there are rules for using these pencils.

So pretty! I'm still working on that image. I plan to cut it out and use it on a card...this coloring thing takes patience...something else I'm working on!

As far as the markers, I know there is technique to using them, I just haven't learned that part yet. Here I stamped a leaf and used three or four markers in the "green" package. The Spectrum Noir markers come in color family packs that take the guessing work out of trying to find the right blend.

Cut the stamped image out, go around the edges with a black marker to define and it's a perfect addition to any card. Here's a simple card I made earlier, just playing around with my markers.

After coloring I sprayed the flower and leaf with a mixture of perfect pearls in "pearl" and water in a spray bottle. Great way to add sparkle to any project.

Coloring...it's My Fave this Monday! So, in a world of printable colored images and designer patterned paper you could just cut away at, give coloring a try. If anything, it will get you to use some of those stamps you've been hoarding
wait...maybe that's just me.

Merry Christmas

2012-12-24T22:36:00.003-08:00

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year!

My Fave Monday...Box Cards

2012-12-17T22:05:00.001-08:00

Over a year ago I saw a tutorial on how to make a box card. Right away, I assemble all needed materials and got down to paper folding business...then, I never made another one ever again! Why I decided and or even remembered this unique card is due to my complete self absorbed competitive nature. And the fact that I want to send my friend a nicer card than I sent them last year. Go Team Me! Nothing like saying "Please like me" in the form of a square patterned paper masterpiece!

The video description of this somewhat easy, unique card, yet completely confusing paper project, can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J26Fbrly5ds

I have a series of photos that I took while creating the hopefully more fantastic than last years card. I understand if you have issues following pictures because I have a lot here. I struggle with patience issues too. One of these days I'll muster up the courage and said patience to do my own video!

First you'll need an 8 1/2 x11 piece of double sided patterned paper.
I chose paper from the Authentique 12x12 Festive Collection Paper Pack.

Then you need to score your paper. Width: 2" 1/8 on either side...

Turn your paper and score the length 1"1/4 and again at 3"3/8 on either side...

After you make all your score lines, fold your paper

And fold up the ends

Now it's time for the corners. Fold each end of the paper to make four triangles. Use your bone folder to flatten the paper as it can get bulky at this point in making the card.

Here all four corners are made. Now is about the time I want to bail on the pictures and just say watch the video. She's one of my favorite YouTube subscriptions and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Unfold your paper and now with the long side up fold in both short sides to look like this...then fold the 1"1/4 score over the short sides to look like this...now you've just made a box card!

Embellish as desired. I used MFT dies, EK success punches, trim and stickers from the collection to finish my card. The belly band measures: 1"x10" patterned paper and 1" 1/8 x 10"1/8 mat. Inside mat measures: 4"x4" patterned paper and 4"1/4 x 4"1/4 mat.

Finished Card: Outside

Inside:

I honestly realize you didn't get any of this by now...
Box Card folding and picture taking extravaganza!
It's My Fave this Monday!

Just for reference sake:
Use 8" 1/2x11" paper
score on width: 2" 1/8 on either side
score on length: 1" 1/4 and 3" 3/8 on either side

Inside mat: 4" 1/4 x 4" 1/4 square. Layering paper 4"x4" square
Belly Band: 1" 1/8x10" 1/8 mat. Layering paper 1"x10"

Have Fun!

disclaimer: By no way is this my original idea. If and when I feel inspired to share, I always post links to the appropriate parties. It's no fun to take credit where credit is not deserved. I'd rather just share the knowledge and all the links to the places I bought a bunch of crafting stuff!

My Fave Monday...Christmas Ornaments

2012-12-03T22:27:00.002-08:00

I kinda sorta have a lot of glitter. Not because I like it, but more because I found it on sale and thought, I could use it....sometime...on something. I hate the mess of glitter. I admit, I have a tendency to be accident prone. And the fact that I can't even finish a glittered project without finding it in my hair, on my clothes, all over my desk and on the floor is the part of the "crafting mishap" story that starts with, "you wouldn't believe what I made today..." So I'm a sucker for shiny things at a good price, what can I say?
That's a rhetorical question.

I did, however, find a great use for all that glitters while watching Ranger Ink Crafting Videos on YouTube. I thought I would try it out myself, and then if it worked, share it here with you.

It worked!

Here are the supplies you'll need:
Glitter
Water
Glossy Accents Adhesive
Clear glass bulb ornament
Piece of printer paper to funnel glitter into bulb.

Mix one part water with one part glue. Take the top off your ornament then pour the glue/water solution into the bulb and swirl mixture around until the entire bulb is coated with the solution.

Pour out excess glue. Now that the inside of the bulb is coated you can pour your glitter onto your piece of paper and funnel it into your bulb.

Swirl the glitter around the bulb to coat, just like you did with the glue.

When the bulb is completely coated on the inside with glitter tap out excess onto your paper and then use the paper to funnel the glitter back into it's container. The paper just makes for minimal mess and easy clean up, which is a good thing for me...well, you know that already!

Replace the top to the glass bulb ornament then decorate as desired! What's great about this technique is that it's no mess! All the glitter is captured inside the ornament so none of it will get on your hands, clothes, hair, desk, floor..hmm, sounds familiar.

Here's mine all decorated. I think it looks a bit silly with just the two gold leaves on the side, I should have placed more all around to balance it out but it's not bad for a first try.

Another picture, just closer. I got a new camera and any chance I get to take a picture of something, I take two...or three or more...

Handmade ornaments are a yearly tradition in my house and My Fave this Monday.

My Fave Monday...Winner, Winner...

2012-11-19T19:11:00.002-08:00

I'm sorry to break it to you but you didn't win a Chicken Dinner.

"The legend tells that years ago every casino in Las Vegas had a three-piece chicken dinner with a potato and a veggie for $1.79. A standard bet back then was $2, hence when you won a bet you had enough for a chicken dinner. !” says urbandictionary.com

What I really want to say is THANK YOU to the TWO people who commented on last weeks My Fave Monday post. I'm giving away fifty sheets of Paper Trey Ink Card stock to both followers of my blog because it just seems silly not too with odds like that!

So a big Thank You to Miriam Prantner and Cathy!

If you're ever in my neighborhood, which is a good 6 hours or more drive from Las Vegas, I would gladly cook you a chicken dinner, but for now, I've notified you both of your winnings by email and look forward to sending out your free and
My Fave Card stock!

My Fave Monday...Christmas Cards + Giveaway!

2012-11-12T22:44:00.002-08:00

It really is my favorite, as in, hands down, if I had to choose one thing to make, I would choose to make Christmas cards, favorite. Unfortunately cards are just old fashioned now. They've gone the wayside to everything that is electronic greeting, except for Christmas and maybe Birthdays. I do get one or more cards in the snail mail every now and again when family or friends remember.

In my world, Christmas cards stand the test of time despite technology. It's always nice to receive and give this time of year and one of the best ways is with a handmade card that shows the appreciation and thought, not only in the work it takes to make one, but to the recipient who gets to have one. It makes me smile. And as long as it does, I'll keep on making them with the help of some pretty amazing stamp and paper lines available this season.

Year after year, how they keep coming up with this stuff just amazes me. Like a crafting lemming, I gobble it all up as if there's no tomorrow. This year maybe not so much, since I've found the Simon Says Stamp Card Kit but still, I'm all in when it comes to retail inspiration.

I made this card with my new kit along with inspiration from Kristina Werner's Holiday Card Video

I'm so not a Copic color er...especially since the day I found my Copic Markers in my daughter's backpack after a long hiatus from my crafting space. She pretty much ruined them and I've since decided not to invest in the means to repair the damage she so selfishly inflicted during her stint with my stolen Copics. I just don't have the patience to color anyway and find it more satisfying to look at other peoples' ability to do so more than my own. Having said all that, I did color this image myself! And I did use my Copic Markers, well, what I had left of them anyway!

I went with my go to card stock, Paper Trey Ink, when I made these Christmas cards. I've been making cards for years now and since I've found Paper Trey Ink Card stock, I can't say that I like any other more than I like them. I'm biased that way.

So much so, I have a pack of my absolute favorite to just give away. Fifty sheets of premium, Vintage Cream Card stock to anyone who is a follower of my blog and comments on this post.

That's all, nothing special. I just think, if you're going to be inspired to make a card then why not start with a good card stock, especially this time of year when giving is just as good as receiving!

It's my fave this Monday, and I hope it's yours.

Well, enough to make you want to follow and comment at least!

Giveaway ends Monday, November 19, 2012!

My Fave Monday...

2012-11-05T22:36:00.000-08:00

Already? I've got nothing! Well, that's not entirely true. I, apparently have a lot of scrap booking supplies. That fact, in and of itself, could be a complete understatement...just saying.

Two days ago, I'll call it Saturday, I decided the garage needed a good cleaning. We were putting away all the Halloween decorations anyway, so why not take full advantage of the meaning of efficiency and clean up while we're at it? It's a great idea in theory but not so great in actuality.

What happened is I found a boat load of crafting crap, amid the usual seasonal crap, I've managed to accumulate, in the garage. And ever since finding it, I feel like a hoarder. I say that only because I can't fathom putting this stuff out for trash or even giving it away. I mean, I paid good money for a lot of this stuff! Some of it, I've received as gifts and I'd be willing to give it up but some have value.

I'm embarrassed to say that the six plastic bins, I could have swore were seasonal clothes, belonging to every member of my family, are in fact, miscellaneous craft crap. Oh, and no longer do they reside in my now spic n' span garage,but are nestled neatly in my once walk in bedroom closet.

Hello, my name is Adelle and I'm a craftoholic!

I have a brand new wedding scrapbook here in this bin...see...it's brand new! Look, there's a cute little CM album still in the plastic wrap! Why am I keeping this stuff???

More unused albums and paper and more paper. It's almost nostalgic in a way to see the supplies I started out with. I have Creative Memories albums coming out of my ears here and I don't even use their stuff anymore. I do give them credit for starting me on my hoarding journey...More like blaming, is what I mean.

I'm posting this in the hopes I'm not the only one trapped in a supply hoard, thinking, someday, I'll eventually use it all. Maybe this is just the first step to my recovery...and my favorite for this Monday.